Three Baptist pastors were shot dead in an ambush in Manipur on Wednesday while returning from an interchurch peace conference that aimed to reduce tensions among tribal Christian communities in the violence-hit northeastern state.
The attack, which also left several others injured, has triggered outrage across Christian organizations, tribal bodies and civil society groups in the Northeast.
The victims were identified as Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, president of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI), Pastor Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou. They were traveling from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi after attending the United Baptist Convention Assembly when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their convoy between Kotzim and Kotlen villages along the Imphal-Tamenglong highway. At least five others were reportedly injured in the ambush and rushed to hospitals for treatment.
According to Hindustan Times, victims belong to the Chiru community, a Naga tribe.
The Evangelical Fellowship of India strongly condemned the killings, calling the attack on “unarmed church leaders” deeply disturbing. Several tribal and church organizations also demanded justice and better security for civilians and religious leaders in the state.
Protesters blocked National Highway-2 after the killings, while student and tribal groups called shutdowns across Kuki-dominated areas.
As of Thursday, no arrests had been officially announced in connection with the ambush. Authorities have launched an investigation, but the identity of the attackers remains unclear. Reports suggest security agencies are examining the involvement of armed militant groups active in the region.
On Wednesday, evening, in a separate ambush, another man was killed, reported the opposition Congress party.
Manipur has remained trapped in ethnic violence since May 2023, when clashes erupted between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the predominantly Christian Kuki-Zo tribal communities living in the surrounding hills. Over the last three years, hundreds of people have been killed and tens of thousands displaced from their homes. Villages, churches and homes were burned during waves of violence, deepening mistrust among communities.
The central government has taken several steps to contain the crisis, including deploying the Army, Assam Rifles and additional paramilitary forces across sensitive districts.
President’s Rule was imposed in 2025 following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, and peace talks along with disarmament drives were initiated to stabilize the state.
However, sporadic attacks and retaliatory violence continue to threaten peace efforts, showing that the conflict remains far from resolved.
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